Magazine Article

Mechanism for Deploying a Long, Thin-Film Antenna From a Rover

TBMG-17197

09/01/2013

Abstract
Content

Observations with radio telescopes address key problems in cosmology, astrobiology, heliophysics, and planetary science including the first light in the Universe (Cosmic Dawn), magnetic fields of extrasolar planets, particle acceleration mechanisms, and the lunar ionosphere. The Moon is a unique science platform because it allows access to radio frequencies that do not penetrate the Earth's ionosphere and because its far side is shielded from intense terrestrial emissions. A radio antenna can be realized by using polyimide film as a substrate, with a conducting substance deposited on it. Such an antenna can be rolled into a small volume for transport, then deployed by unrolling, and a robotic rover offers a natural means of unrolling a polyimide film-based antenna. An antenna deployment mechanism was developed that allows a thin film to be deposited onto a ground surface, in a controlled manner, using a minimally actuated rover.

Meta TagsDetails
Citation
"Mechanism for Deploying a Long, Thin-Film Antenna From a Rover," Mobility Engineering, September 1, 2013.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Sep 1, 2013
Product Code
TBMG-17197
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English